I'm Guessing There's Not an Opt-Out for My Income Taxes

Well, Senator Harry Reid (D., Nev.) has unveiled the proposed health care reform bill. It is to include the "public option" (because government "competition", like winged unicorns, is a creature fully grounded in fact). It also includes the ultimate poison pill, an opt-out provision that would allow the states to opt out of the plan. Why is this a poison pill? Let's make an exercise in logic. Who would opt out? Conservative governors. So conservative governors who opt out will be governing citizens and businesses who are paying the taxes without receiving any of the benefits. This is not a good way to get votes. It is basically a meaningless provision because, as a practical matter, no state will be able to opt out unless the conservative governor is willing to lose his job. Well, I guess the opt-out clause might have wings and a horn, too.